Left Ventricular Assist Device Evaluation

LVAD Evaluation

• Echocardiogram
• Exercise (VO₂) test: Shows the amount of oxygen your heart and lungs can provide to your muscles
• Right Heart Catheterization: Measures pressures in your heart
• Left Heart Catheterization: Uses a dye to look at your coronary arteries
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Laboratory tests: Determine blood type, other organ function and exposure to certain diseases
• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary function test: Determines lung function if you are/were a smoker
• Carotid and peripheral ultrasounds: Looks for blockages in certain blood vessels
• Colonoscopy
• Mammogram
• Dental exam: To evaluate your oral health
• Eye exam
• Psychosocial evaluation
• Insurance clearance: This includes covering the cost of the surgery as well as testing and medications after transplant

Your doctors may decide if other studies are needed to ensure you are a good candidate for heart transplant. 

Psychosocial/psychiatric evaluation

A specialized LVAD/transplant social worker will perform a detailed psychosocial evaluation of your candidacy as a LVAD recipient.

Some of the things that will be assessed:

• Your understanding of the LVAD process
• Availability of caregivers before and after implant
• Coping and stress management barriers/challenges
• Your compliance with previous medical regimen
• Mental health history
• Substance use history

Selection

Once all testing and psychosocial evaluation is complete the entire LVAD team comprised of surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, financial counselors, and more meet to review your case.

The team carefully reviews all of the your information in order to determine if LVAD therapy is safe and appropriate for you.

Your cardiologist will inform you of the committee's decision and of alternate therapies in the event that you are not deemed a LVAD candidate.